We are starting our first IVF cycle, I start leuprolide tonight. Yesterday at my baseline ultrasound, I only showed 4 follicles. Two months ago, I had 9. Our doctor said that although follicle count is one factor for success, it's not the ONLY factor and it wasn't enough for them to want to deviate from our treatment protocol just yet. She did send me to go get an AMH blood draw, and if THAT was crazy low, do more diagnostic testing.

I'm 31, never been pregnant, and although I want to keep my expectations fair for this all working out, I burst into tears yesterday when I saw the low follicle count. I'm totally expecting now to have a low AMH (although I don't know yet).

Anybody have IVF success with low follicle count? With diminished ovarian reserve? What did it take to have a successful cycle?'

Me me me! I don't remember what my starting follicle count was, but I had DOR and I only ended up with 4 eggs, only 2 grew, and I only had one to transfer on my 5 day transfer. He's two now!

To stay sane, here are some things I did: I got a therapist. I made a list of things that made me happy, ranging from small things (taking a bath, having chips) to bigger things (getting a massage) - I found it helped when I got anxious and stressed and overwhelmed to have a list I could consult that sort of let me see the trees through the forest, if you know what I mean - when I felt like everything was terrible it was nice to look at this document and go "Ok, here are some things that might bump my mood a bit". I downloaded the Circle + Bloom meditation series for IVF and listened to it every day. I did acupuncture, which both made me relaxed and made me feel like I was doing everything I could do. And I told myself that - I'm doing everything I can do, this is out of my hands. I also adopted as a mantra "Do what you can where you are with what you have" and I found that it helped to repeat that.

I was successful on my first Ivf cycle and I was diagnosed with PCOS and DOR. I had a history of low AMH. I'm 32 now with 4 month old twins. I never had a BFP until my IVF and IF journey of 3 years.
Wishing you lots of luck! Crossing my fingers and toes and the twins as well.

@Mrs.Someone: Some Drs or RE don't test for AMH all the time. I had it tested probably 2-3 times during my 3 years with IF. I forget why some Drs don't check or don't think it's an important test to focus on. I got my first AMH results back when I was not TTC and I was trying to be considered to be an egg donor. One clinic denied me into the program because my AMH was too low. Now, while I was doing fertility treatments, none of my drs mentioned my AMH unless I asked. My history of low AMH was one of the reasons I was diagnosed with PCOS. Also, my AMH has increased throughout the years. It wasn't as low as it was about 5 years ago.

I don't have any insight on the AMH, but wanted to invite you to join us on the IVF boards. We have a wonderful group of ladies and support each other each day as we go through the IVF process. You can do this and good luck!!

I am also surprised your Doctor didn't check your AMH before either but you can for sure still have a successful IVF cycle with low ovarian reserve so don't worry! Some new practices (like mini IVF which is good for people who don't respond well to meds) actually believes its better to have fewer eggs because they believe quality is better than quantity as fas as the # of eggs. I would recommend acupuncture, it can really help with stress during an IVF cycle as well as help your body respond well during your cycle. Good luck!

@helloimkate: I'm just starting my first IVF cycle this week, but I am 33 with an AFC of 8 on my first count and 5 on my second. It can fluctuate a bit. My AMH is 0.3- almost nonexistent. You're not alone. I freaked the H out when I found out about my DOR. I was so shocked!. We also are dealing with severe endometriosis for me and NOA (non-obstructive azoospermia)- my husband doesn't make any sperm so he needs to have an mTESE surgery alongside my egg retrieval and we only have a 20-30% chance of finding any sperm. I'm on the IVF board that @NorthStar: mentioned as well. These boards are the best way I've found to stay sane TBH.

I haven't done IVF but I do have a diminished ovarian reserve and I have seen my AFC fluctuate greatly. In August, I had a total count of 8 between both ovaries and then last week I had 10 on just one ovary with 2 on the other. If the AFC doesn't look good today, that doesn't necessarily mean it won't be slightly better 3 months from now.

@helloimkate: So sorry you have to go through IVF but you can do this!

I would second and third the acupuncture recommendation. Not only does it help me stay sane and respond better to meds, I have found that the continued care and compassion of my acupuncturist throughout IVF is the thing missing in the fertility clinics. No offense to them -- they are nice people -- but they are there to follow protocols and get you in and out. I go twice a week to acupuncture since starting leuprolide and, while I'm paying out of pocket for both IVF and acupuncture, it has made every bit of difference.